How Do I Change A Pair Of Taps?   

Changing taps can give a kitchen, bathroom, or wherever you want to put them a new look. Modern taps of today are easier to install unlike before where one needs a variety of tools to get the job done. Installing a pair of new taps is a lot easier than removing the old ones as their fittings are normally corroded due to constant exposure to moisture. The tight spaces you have to work on will also make it all the more difficult to do the job. So think of a comfortable position to get the old tap out and to install the new one. You will be able to work faster when you are comfortable without exerting too much effort.

Initial Checks

New taps of today come in standard dimensions. If you are replacing a very old tap, it will be wise to check the distance of the hole as they are not matched with newer mixer taps most of the time. An adjustable swiveling union tap will be your solution if they are not standard.

Old tap holes are sometimes set much like the diamond shape. If the new tap happens to have a small body, it will not be able to cover the entire hole. Buy a few chrome cover plates and put one of them over the hole to get around this situation.

When installing a new bath mixer, it is wise to check that both of the old taps are getting their supply from a low pressure source. An easy way to check on this is to open the tap and put your thumb over one end at once. A high pressure that pushes your thumb away means that the source is from the mains.

Changing the Taps

1. Turn off the source of water supply. Utilize a screwdriver with a flat head to open the plastic top covering of your old taps. Unscrew the taps using your Phillips screwdriver. When the screws are off, the taps should come off ideally but if you have difficulty pulling it off, utilize a wrench to get the old taps off.

2. Get the diameter of the pipe the taps were on. Be sure to measure it accurately from end to end as you will need this information in choosing the right size tap and its washer as well. Use this opportunity to clean the rust off the thread of the pipe with a steel brush.

3. Lubricate the pipe and then wrap a round of plumber's tape on the pipe's threads to have a tight seal. Put the washer first on the pipe followed by the new tap.

4. Fit the screw on the head of the tap to fix it in place to the pipe. Replace the plastic cover on the tap's head and test your work by turning on the tap.

If in case you get a leak, do not try to tighten the nut any further as this can damage the tap's fittings. Turn the water off once again and dismantle the fitting so you can check the exact cause of the leak. Inspect the sealing washers if they are fitted evenly. Examine the pipes also if they are evenly aligned. Fit the taps once more. You should not find a single leak anymore this time.

Tap changed in London.

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